garder une poire pour la soif

ByFast French

The French phrase “garder une poire pour la soif” means “to keep a pear for thirst” in English. It is a saying used to talk about saving something for the future.

Long ago, people used to carry a pear with them when they traveled or faced uncertain times. The pear was chosen because it could provide moisture and help with thirst. By keeping a pear for later, people made sure they had something to rely on if they became thirsty.

When someone says they are “garder une poire pour la soif,” they mean they are saving or setting aside something for when they might need it later. It’s about being prepared and thinking ahead. It could mean saving money, gathering resources, or making arrangements to avoid difficulties in the future.

This expression dates from the end of the 16th century and was first cited by Antoine Oudin in 1640.

In English, we have a similar saying: “to save something for a rainy day.” This means to keep something aside for when you might need it in the future. It’s about being prepared and thinking ahead, just like “garder une poire pour la soif” in French.

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • think

    ByFast French

    There are a few different ways to say “to think” in French. You can use verbs like “penser,” “songer,” “réfléchir,” “croire,” or “considérer.” penser Penser means “to think.” It is related to the English word “pensive,” someone who is thoughtful or in deep thought. It can be used with “à” to mean “to have in…

  • verb: se plaindre

    ByFast French

    “Se plaindre” means “to complain,” “to whinge” or “to moan.” Conjugations in Present Tense and Passé Composé: Present tense: Passé composé tense: Etymology: The origin of “se plaindre” can be traced back to Latin, where the root “plangere” meant “to lament” or “to beat one’s chest.” Idiomatic Expressions and Usage:

  • soit…soit

    ByFast French

    In the French language, there’s a handy construction called “soit…soit.” This structure is used to present alternatives or choices. It’s a bit like saying “either…or” in English. Let’s delve into how it works and how you can use it effectively. The word “soit” means “either” or “whether” in English. When repeated, it emphasizes the choice…

  • | | |

    verb: s’attendre à

    ByFast French

    The French verb “s’attendre à” means “to expect” or “to anticipate.” “S’attendre à” vs. “Attendre” The primary difference between “s’attendre à” and “attendre” is that “s’attendre à” is reflexive (or “pronominal” as we say in French) and “attendre” is not. While “attendre” means “to wait for” or “to await,” “s’attendre à” means “to expect” or…